The union government of India declared one day of state mourning on Tuesday as a mark of respect to late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.
"Late Jayalalithaa will be accorded a State Funeral; one day state mourning declared by Central Government," Frank Norohna, Director General, Press Information Bureau, tweeted.
"Flags will be flown at half mast; no ceremonial functions will be organised," he said in another tweet.
Departed leader Selvi #Jayalalithaa will be accorded a State Funeral ; One day state mourning declared by Central Government (1/2)
— Frank Noronha (@DG_PIB) December 6, 2016
Mourning for departed leader Selvi #Jayalalithaa : Flags will be flown at half mast ; no ceremonial functions will be organized (2/2)
— Frank Noronha (@DG_PIB) December 6, 2016
The charismatic AIADMK chief died on Monday night after battling for life for 74 days, triggering immense grief across the state. She was 68.
Both the President and the Prime Minister announced that they will reach Chennai later on Tuesday to pay their last respects.
#PresidentMukherjee will travel to Chennai today to pay last respects to former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Selvi Jayalalitha
— President of India (@RashtrapatiBhvn) December 6, 2016
PM Modi left for Chennai at 9.30 a.m. He will visit Rajaji Hall and lay wreath on the mortal remains of Jayalalithaa, sources said.
Various other high profile political leaders, including CMs of various states are also expected to reach Chennai to pay their final respects.
Leader of Opposition MK Stalin also visited Rajaji Hall where her body was kept for public viewing.
Celebrities from different walks of life also expressed their condolences.
The Rajya Sabha will also adjourn for the day on Tuesday after obituary, as a mark of respect, in memory of the former Rajya Sabha MP. The lower House was also adjourned for the day.
Rajya Sabha will adjourn for the day after obituary, as a mark of respect, in memory of #JJayalalitha.
— ANI (@ANI_news) December 6, 2016
The annual St. Antony's church fest in Katchatheevu, Sri Lanka has also been called off as a mark of respect for the erstwhile CM.
The annual St. Antony's church fest scheduled tomorrow in Katchatheevu (Sri Lanka) called off as a mark of respect for late #Jayalalithaa
— ANI (@ANI_news) December 6, 2016
(With IANS inputs)
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